NEW COMMISSIONERS FOR VICTORIA TO HELP BOOST VICTORIAN ECONOMY [28.10.2009]
From the Premier
Premier of Victoria, John Brumby said Victoria’s Government Business Offices would continue to secure new investment for the state during these tough global financial times as the government appointed a new Agent-General and two new Commissioners to represent Victoria overseas.
Mr Brumby said Victoria’s Government Business Offices had helped generate over $11 billion worth of investment in Victoria, create more than 25,000 jobs, built export opportunities for our businesses and helped grow our economy for the benefit of all Victorians.
“In the last financial year alone, Victoria’s 12 Business Offices had helped generate $1.4 billion investment in the Victorian economy,” Mr Brumby said.
“These investments included landing the new Costco store at Melbourne’s Docklands, securing Toyota’s Hybrid Camry project and Acciona’s $400 million Wind Farm at Waubra.
"The new commissioners will help to reap further rewards for the Victorian economy, helping to attract investment, jobs and visitors to Victoria.
“They have the skills, qualifications and experience to ensure we continue to attract new investment into our state and help Victorian companies boost their exports,” he said.
The new appointments are:
Sally Capp will become Victoria’s Agent-General in London. Ms Capp is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Committee for Melbourne. She will bring a wealth of experience from the private sector, particularly in services. She has rich knowledge of the Victorian economy and excellent contacts that will be of great benefit to the role as she seeks to promote Victoria and secure new investment and business opportunities for the state.
Geoffery Conaghan will serve as Commissioner for Victoria in Bangalore. Mr Conaghan was a senior executive at Melbourne Airport. He has an excellent knowledge of the needs of international business and will be well placed to assist Victorian businesses exporting to India and Indian businesses interested in opportunities in Victoria. He also has a strong background in training and tourism which are areas of strong interest in the bilateral economic relationship.
Patrick Stringer will serve as Commissioner for Victoria in Shanghai. Mr Stringer is currently Group General Manager–Strategy & new Business for Qantas Airways, based in Vietnam. Previously he was Minister Counsellor and Senior Trade Commissioner at the Australian Embassy in Hanoi and has also held senior executive roles with Volvo Commercial vehicles, BAE Systems Australia and Ansett Transport Industries.
Mr Brumby congratulated the new Agent-General and Commissioners on their appointments and said he looked forward to their contributions to continued success of the overseas offices.
The new appointees will take up their positions before the end of this year.
http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/component/content/article/8562.html